Cushion tire



Aug. 9,1927.

1,638,370 v w. J. SMALL CUSHION TIRE l Filed June 1. 1925 f 1 2 sheets-sheet 2 Syvum/dof Grammi-Q 4Patented Aug. 9, 1927.

WILLIAMJ. SMALL, OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO LUCIEN E. BECKER, OF 'PORTLAND,' OREGON. y i i CUSHION TIRE.

Application filed June 1,

This invention relates to cushion tires.

The primary object of the invention is to provide means for securely clamping the tire casing to the rim, and, by the saine operation, to expand the sponge rubber core to obtain the desired resiliency thereof.

More specifically the invention comprehends the use of a ring for expanding the core and a secondary inner ring for clamping the casing to the rim by a single operation.

Other and more detailed objects of the invention will be apparent from a reading of the following specification in conjunction with the drawing attached hereto and forming a part hereof in which,

Figure 1 is an elevation of the felloe, rim, tire and the operating mechanism,

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sec tional view of the tire disclosing the operative screw and the retaining lugs-` Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the invention.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, l indicates the tire casingV which is of conventional construction, 2 is the core which is preferably maderof sponge rubber and is employed as a substitute for the ordinary inner tube, 3 is the felloe of conventional form. The inventionV comprehends the employment of a multiplicity of operating screws spaced circumferentially around the felloe and which may be attached by simply drilling holes through the felloe and rim at the desired points. 5 is an inner ring which I term the tire engaging ring. This ring is of wedge shape formation in order that it may engage the inner sides ofA the tire without mutilation of the tire. The ring 5 is splitltransversely to permit expansion and contraction thereof. This ringis screw-threaded at spaced circumferential points for receiving the screws 4.

There is also provided an outer core expanding ring 6 which is provided with inclined flanges 7, which conform substantially to the curvature of the tire casing. This ring is hollowed out as at 8 for the purpose of preventing undue weight thereof. This ring, of course, is split transversely.

It will be obvious that upon a manipulation of the operating screw 4 tire-engag- 1925. Serial No. 34,090.

ing ring 5 is caused to move inwardly with respect to the axis of the Wheel and thereby engage the tire at the body portions thereof to securely press into engagement with the rim 9. By this operation ofv the screw, the same is caused to move outwardly with respect to the axis of the wheel so that the end l() thereof, simultaneously presses against the inner side of the core expanding ring 6, which is caused to expand circumferentially and thus compact. the sponge rubber core to the desired extent in order that a given pressure may be obtained.

In applying my device to a tire it is of course essential that the openings of the ring 5 shall be in alignment with the operating screws 4. To insure the alignment of these parts I provide lugs 10 on the ring 5, and extending at substantial right angles thereto and engaging holes in, the rim. When the lugs are thus secured a` lateral employment of the ring 3 is prevented and a registration of the operating screws with the openings in the ring insured.

The modified form of my invention disclosed in Figure 4 includes substantially the same operating instrumentalities yas the above described form of my invention, but in addition it includes the inverted W- shaped element 11 which is made of light spring material. This element constitutes a means for expanding theV core outwardly or circumferentially and transversely. By reason of the peculiar shape of this element 1l, and the association of the wedge-shaped element 12, which is caused to engage it when the operating screw 13 is manipulated, a

balloon eect to tires may be obtained.

vIt will be apparent from the reading of the foregoing that the invention is of exceedingly simple nature and it can be readily attached to conventional automobile wheels by simply boring a few holes through the felloe and rim.

" Vhat I claim is:

In a resilient tire, the combination with a tire casing, of an elastic core therefor, a rim receiving the extremities of said tire casing, means for mechanically applying pressure to the core to vary the resiliency thereof, said means comprising a transversely split circumferentially expanding ring of 'substantially W-shaped formation with its extremities fitting between the core l material and said casing, the central portion of said ring being of tapering formation, a Wedge-shaped ring element fitting Within the confines of Said central portion of the expanding ring, adjustable screws eX- tending through said felly for engaging the Wedge-shaped element and causing an out- Ward deflection of the core expanding member, a tire engaging rlng mounted on sald adJustmg devlces and adapted to s1mu1tayneously urge vthe extremities of the tire casing into engagement With the rim.

In testimony whereof I aHX my Signature.

WILLIAM J. SMALL. 

